Saturday, May 27, 2006

Detroit Tiger Prospect Report - 5/27/06

As the season goes along, I'll be doing periodic updates on many of the Tiger prospects throughout the minor leagues. I'm not going to list them in any particular order. I'm just going to list some of the most interesting prospects at each level. I won't mention every prospect on every report, just ones that seem noteworthy at the time I'm writing it. I may occasionally even talk about some marginal prospects who happen to be having good seasons. Here is this week’s report team by team:

Toledo Mud Hens (AAA)Record: 23-24

Wil Ledezma pitched just two innings in yesterday’s start because , according to Jason Beck’s blog, they had him on a 50 pitch limit.The reason is that the Tigers may need him to start on Tuesday in place of the disabled Mike Maroth (irritated muscle in elbow).In 49 innings this season, Ledezma has a 3.31 ERA and 49/15 K/BB ratio.Zach Miner has not pitched since injuring his knee in a game on May 15. It's not known how much longer he will be out. He has a 2.18 ERA in 45 1/3 innings pitched.One of the most impressive Mud Hen starters so far has been former major leaguer Chad Durbin who has a 2.83 ERA and 47/14 K/BB ratio in 63 2/3 innings.....With Jack Hannahan having been called up to Detroit, a other few other somewhat older hitters are trying to attract some attention this season: Ryan Ludwick is batting .298/.373/.545 but has struck out 62 times in 178 at bats.Josh Phelps is now batting .285/.359/.457.Hot hitting Ryan Raburn is up to .292/.378/.522 after a 3 week stretch where he batted .408 with 5 homers.

Erie Seawolves (AA)Record: 23-24

Humberto Sanchez pitched 8 2/3 innings of shutout ball, allowed just 4 hits and struckout 9 in his last start.He now has a very impressive 1.87 ERA and is second in the league with 68 strikeouts in 57 2/3 innings.Nate Bumstead has a 3.11 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 55 innings.He has struggled a bit with his control (28 walks).Brian Rogers is having a good season as a workhorse reliever -1.45 ERA and 35/3 K/BB ratio over 31 innings.Eulogio De La Cruz got off to an awful start but he seems to be coming around.He has allowed just one run in his last 9 appearances…..Erie is getting no offense at all.Brent Clevlen (.217/.313/.326)and Tony Giarratano (.239/.284/.345), both regarded by many as top prospects, are having disappointing seasons to this point.Kody Kirkland is hitting for power (12 home runs) but is batting .219 with a 7/69 BB/K ratio. The leading hitter is catcher Mike Rabelo - .302/.357/.509 in 29 games – but he is not that highly regarded as a prospect.

Lakeland Tigers (A+)Record: 27-21

Jair Jurrjens pitched 7 innings allowing 1 run on 6 hits and struck out 10 in his last start. He now has a 2.04 ERA and a 47/6 k/BB ratio in 53 IP.Kevin Whelan is having major control problems (17 walks in 15 2/3 innings) and his ERA is now up to 5.74.Andrew Kown who joined Lakeland after 16 scoreless innings in Western Michigan has a 2.42 ERA in 5 starts for Lakeland.Kevin Ardoin has a 2.85 ERA and 37/4 K/BB ratio over 66 1/3 innings…..Jeff Larish is batting .277/.387/.492, is 3rd in the league in walks (28) and 2nd in extra base hits (24).Other Lakeland hitting prospects are not doing so well.Clete Thomas is hitting .263/.332/.414 and has struck out 64 times in 186 at bats.Jeff Frazier is hitting .267/.305/.415.Wilken Ramirez hit 3 homers this week but is batting 241/.273/.416.Chris Robinson is hitting .265/.340/.333.

Western Michigan Whitecaps (A)Record: 27-18

Ramon Garcia pitched a 1 hit shutout and retired the last 23 batters in his last start.He now is 2nd in the league with a 1.05 ERA and has a 47/8 K/BB ratio in 60 innings.The 21 year old Garcia is left-handed and is 6-2 165 pounds.He was signed by the Tigers as a non-drafted free agent in May, 2004. Sendy Vazquez now has a 2.93 ERA and 43/17 K/BB ratio in 46 innings. Reliever Orlando Perdomo has a 1.35 ERA and 25/4 K/BB ratio in 20 innings as the Whitecap closer.Another reliever Anthony Claggett has a 0.42 Era in 21 1/3 innings…..Cameron Maybin has not played since May 6 because his right index finger keeps locking up on him.Tests revealed no ligament or structural damage and it apparently will not require surgery.However, he is wearing a splint and will probably be out at least a couple more weeks. He is hitting .330/.409/.510.After a strong week last week, Matt Joyce went 1 for 16 this week to drop his season numbers to .261/.352/.449.Catcher Dusty Ryan is batting .276/.377/.408 in 29 games.